DIVINE DALLIANCE

Roman temple of Mithras to near its original position: the first church was probably built over it in Saxon times and the second medieval version was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. Christopher Wren built today’s church in 1762, the year he created his great model of St Paul’s, and its dome is widely considered to be a visual dress rehearsal. The airy dome is supported by an octagon that is in turn supported by a square. The creamy interior, dark oak panelling and clear glass convey a lovely calm. Don’t miss: The Bakelite phone used by Chad Varah, who founded The Samaritans here. The controversial Henry Moore altar made of Travertine marble. Memorials to Stuart de Courcy Laffan, who helped De Coubertin found the modern Olympics, Dr Nathaniel Hodges — the only doctor to stay with his victims during the plague of 1665 — and John Dunstable, the father of polyphonic harmony in English music. Events: Classical sung Thursday at 12.45pm. Lunchtime concerts on Tuesdays (free). Eucharist every ST PAUL’S — COVENT GARDEN Underground Covent Garden or Leicester Square. Closest shopping at Covent Garden, Seven Dials or Soho. For a building with five entrances — what else would you expect from an actors’ church? — St Paul’s has a charming air of secrecy. This is partly because when Inigo Jones built it in 1633 the plot was west of the Earl of Bedford’s new piazza. Jones planned a fine east front to be seen from the square and a west-end altar — opposite to the conventional configuration — and the Bishop of London objected. Result? An east door that goes nowhere (under the portico made famous by My Fair Lady) and a gabled brick west front that often goes unseen.

When the church burnt down in 1795 it was rebuilt to the original plan and the interior updated. It is full of energy, with an in-house theatre company, dressing rooms in the organ loft and hundreds of theatrical memorial plaques. Don’t miss: The 18th-century font with a silver inner bowl donated by Dame Judi Dench. Ellen Terry’s ashes in a silver casket behind a black grille near the altar. Early Punch and Judy memorials. Wooden pillars saved from Jones’ church, which